Slurring Symonds lands in trouble over radio interview

Melbourne, Jan 25 (IANS) Controversial Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has landed himself in trouble again, after he allegedly appeared drunk for a radio interview.Symonds had a meal and beers before going on the programme, during which he was slurring his words. He is likely to deny his behaviour was inappropriate.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, Symonds must wait until Tuesday to learn the extent of possible disciplinary action resulting from his appearance with comedy duo Roy and HG on radio station Triple M Friday night, in which he called New Zealand player Brendon McCullum “a lump of s…”.

Cricket Australia’s (CA) acting chief executive Michael Brown will listen to the interview. Brown will consult CA boss James Sutherland, who is on leave, before questioning Symonds.

In Symonds’ favour is the fact that the Roy and HG show is famously tongue-in-cheek, and the Test all-rounder could escape for trying to match their mood. The audio file entered the public domain when Triple M posted it on its website Saturday.

Asked if Symonds sounded intoxicated, CA spokesman Peter Brown said: “A lot of media have made that comment today. I’m not going to say anything that could interfere with the due process.”

Symonds’ relationship with CA has been strained for the past 12 months. Suspended from the Australian team for going fishing instead of attending a team meeting last year, he was expected to be on his best behaviour in the final stages of his career. He is trying to recover from a knee injury and return to the Australian team.